TAT to boost proportion of ASEAN tourists to reduce dependence on China

[Thian]

At least TAT recognises that total dependence on Chinese tourists is not in the best interests of the tourism business and the economy.

However while TAT is busy beavering away and making new plans there are other countries in the region are also hard at work trying to deprive Thailand of the western and higher end tourists. Thailand seems to be losing it's gloss as a tourist destination and is making it's own bad publicity in relation to safety, security of property and protection from some of the bad elements. Indeed many tourists themselves seem to be tiring of Thailand for a whole range of reasons and are looking for greater cultural choice and easier direct access to other countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Political instability in Thailand could also be a worry for some and a reason not to visit.

Thailand has always had the advantage that the Bangkok airport was the international hub for most flights in and out of Asia for tourists to reach these destinations. TAT may not know it yet but that is about to change over the next few years. International airlines are now recognising the demand by travellers to have direct links to other major tourist cities/centres thus bi-passing Suvarnabhumi Airport as a hub.

Vietnam is one of those countries that is pursuing closer links with carriers to develop direct flights out of Europe and other regions direct into Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Thus these two cities could well become hubs themselves thus drawing tourists away from Thailand. From these new hubs tourists could radiate to visit neighbouring regions of which Thailand might not be one.

Sex tourism is a class of tourism on it's own and Bangkok will always remain the hub for those who choose to enjoy that particular aspect of cultural gratification.

Accuse me, Pattaya is the capital for sexpats!

[Brer Fox]

At least TAT recognises that total dependence on Chinese tourists is not in the best interests of the tourism business and the economy.

However while TAT is busy beavering away and making new plans there are other countries in the region are also hard at work trying to deprive Thailand of the western and higher end tourists. Thailand seems to be losing it's gloss as a tourist destination and is making it's own bad publicity in relation to safety, security of property and protection from some of the bad elements. Indeed many tourists themselves seem to be tiring of Thailand for a whole range of reasons and are looking for greater cultural choice and easier direct access to other countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Political instability in Thailand could also be a worry for some and a reason not to visit.

Thailand has always had the advantage that the Bangkok airport was the international hub for most flights in and out of Asia for tourists to reach these destinations. TAT may not know it yet but that is about to change over the next few years. International airlines are now recognising the demand by travellers to have direct links to other major tourist cities/centres thus bi-passing Suvarnabhumi Airport as a hub.

Vietnam is one of those countries that is pursuing closer links with carriers to develop direct flights out of Europe and other regions direct into Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Thus these two cities could well become hubs themselves thus drawing tourists away from Thailand. From these new hubs tourists could radiate to visit neighbouring regions of which Thailand might not be one.

Sex tourism is a class of tourism on it's own and Bangkok will always remain the hub for those who choose to enjoy that particular aspect of cultural gratification.

Accuse me, Pattaya is the capital for sexpats!

I would never dream of accusing you of anything. We are both correct. Pattaya is the capital of Thailand for sexpots. Bangkok is the airline hub for sexpats arriving from other parts of the world.